The Rivard Teahen Wheatley Group - Baird Private Wealth Management

06/02/2026

It's graduation season...
Congratulations graduates! And, congrats to the parents who have made it through this phase!;)

If you or your child has recently graduated and is ready to head out into the "real world," here are some great tips for a strong financial start:

Graduating from college into the adult world is a big milestone. Follow these steps to thrive in this new chapter of life.

05/29/2026

As the blossoms pop around Leelanau County and our summer residents return for the season, I think many of us feel a renewed sense of appreciation for this place.

No matter where you own your home or vacation properties, there is an important connection we all feel to the places we love, where we have celebrated family milestones and made memories. Here's hoping you have another wonderful season of summer fun with family ahead!

As you enjoy the season, you may also be planning ahead and wondering how best to structure a gift of property to your children. Here are some great thought starters for your planning conversations:

Transitioning a family home to the next generation? These strategies can help preserve your legacy and avoid conflict.

05/26/2026

Before you go sailing off into the summer sun, take a moment to protect your digital assets.

Identity theft reports and losses continue to rise, and often the best defense is one simple thing!

Start now by changing old passwords, turning on MFA, and always pause before clicking a link or sharing any personal data via email or phone.

05/24/2026

Sunshine highlighted the American Flag at the office recently after a storm. A fitting image for Memorial Day.

We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We are thankful for their courage and their families’ enduring strength. Today, we honor their legacy with gratitude and reflection.

05/18/2026

Over time, your plans, priorities, and realities will undoubtedly change, as does the environment in which we are planning.

A huge part of our work is to ensure your estate plans and financial plans are aligned - with each other and with your goals!

Take a look at the article below, initially published in the City Business News to help guide your next round of estate plan updates.

Trusts: Helpful tools or unnecessary complexities? First appeared in the Traverse City Business News, March 2026 edition. https://www.tcbusinessnews.com/trusts/

05/10/2026

05/07/2026

Grateful to City Business News for sharing this recent article on the choices families can make when planning for retirement and estate transitions.

For many women and families I serve, the question isn’t just “What happens next?” but rather, “How do I honor what I’ve built, care for the people I love, and give back in meaningful ways?”

Thoughtful planning can help steward both land and legacy, aligning financial decisions with family values and charitable goals for generations to come.

👉 Read more at the link below:

Like many of you, I’ve grown up loving the land here in northern Michigan – whether it’s a family farm, a cottage tucked into the woods or a stretch of waterfront that holds generations of memories. These places shape our life stories....

04/30/2026

Roth conversions have gained a ton of attention in the last few years. It’s a great strategy, if and when it fits. Like most tax planning considerations, there are pros and cons to be aware of. Learn more in this short video and reach out if you'd like to consider this as part of your plan!

Because of the up-front costs, you need to evaluate whether or not a Roth conversion is in your best interest.

04/28/2026

A striking photo opp this morning as a storm rolled through... dark skies over the Old Mission Peninsula, with the sun shining through the flag in front of our office and sparking on Grand Traverse Bay. Enjoy!

04/22/2026

I’m a big fan of college savings, in any form. Most often, we use the 529 accounts for this purpose, but it’s important to understand the new “Trump Accounts” as well, especially if you have a new family member.

Children born between 2025-2028 are eligible for a $1,000 contribution from the US Govt!

Children under age 10 may be eligible for a $250 contribution from Michael and Susan Dell.
If you’d like to open an account, you do need to opt in, using IRS Form 4547.

Trump Accounts, a new investment vehicle for minors, are launching this July. Here’s what we know so far.